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21 Jun 2021 | |
Alumnae News |
Alison Weeks - Class of 1994 - Teaching Abroad
What subjects did you study at St George’s and what did you do after leaving school?
At school I studied A-Level English, History and Biology. After I left St George’s I took a gap year working at a school in Switzerland. I then read Classical Studies at the University of Manchester before moving back to Edinburgh, graduating from the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine. I realised that the catering industry wasn’t for me so went to York University, earning my teaching degree in 2001.
What’s been your career path since leaving higher education?
My first teaching job was at a school in Hertfordshire where I was a trainee teacher of History. I then did 11 years teaching at a large comprehensive, got married and had a son. Most recently I have been teaching at schools in South East Asia, the Middle East and East Africa.
Any notable achievements since leaving St George’s?
Becoming Deputy Head of the school in Thailand, along with Head of Sixth Form are high points. Supporting students through A-Levels, applications and then keeping in contact once they are at university. Seeing our son grow up in a truly international environment, 29 different countries!
Most memorable moments at St George’s?
I was a boarder from Upper 4 and have many great memories of friends and our various escapades! The Queen coming to visit the school in 1988 was definitely a highlight, as was the 1994 tour of the USA with The Little Prince production.
How did the subjects you studied at school impact on your career?
A-Level History and English have been extremely useful with my career as a teacher, but I really do wish I had been better at a foreign language. Overall, a love of knowledge, a desire to know more and try new things came from St George’s.
What influence did St George’s have to prepare you for the world of work?
To see myself as being worthy of being in the room. The world is still mainly run by very confident men, and to be able to hold your head high, and look them in the eye whilst making a valuable contribution is something I put down to my initial training in self-worth from 13 years of St George’s.
What advice would you give your 14-year-old self when thinking about your career?
To always think about what really matters to you and what you cannot possibly, truly live without; then you can figure out what you want the end result of your education to be. Decide if you are wanting to work to live, or if you will be living for your work. Don’t rush into the world of work if you are able to carry on studying. The wider your experiences and more variety of things you can put on an application form, the better. Think about working overseas. Don’t miss opportunities and look back saying ‘if only’!
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